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As the rounds get later, potential is more of a factor in the NFL Draft. That’s why the Cincinnati Bengals selected Notre Dame defensive end, Khalid Kareem, with their fifth-round pick, the 147th pick overall.

“You look at traits you can develop,” defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said. “I don’t care how long you stay out on the practice field, you can’t coach length and size and speed. That’s what we liked.”

Kareem, a 6-foot-4, 268-pounder, runs a 4.85 40.

“He has an 84-inch wingspan. That’s rare,” Anarumo said. “That can come into play a lot of ways – separation from O-lineman, knocking downs balls at the line of scrimmage. We liked other guys as well, but we put him a little above.”

Kareem says he uses that length.

“That helped me a lot. A lot of guys aren’t used to seeing that length when it comes to pass rushers,” Kareem said. “I definitely try to leave my mark.”

Kareem had 46 tackles, including 10 for loss as a senior. He tied for the team lead with 5.5 sacks. He was a captain at Notre Dame. Pro Football Focus graded him 85.1, the highest on Notre Dame’s defense.

“He had 13 odd sacks in his career,” Anarumo said. “Was a captain in at Notre Dame last year. Has pass-rush ability. Those are traits we like.”

Anarumo expects Kareem to get time with the first-team defense.

“I don’t have any doubt this guy will take snap off guys, especially early when it’s hot,” Anarumo said. “He’s another guy who brings us flexibility (to play linebacker or defensive end). He did both at Notre Dame. I see him as a DE to start. When we’re in set defense, he’s out there securing the edges.”

He is from Detroit. He was happy to be picked by a nearby team.

“Being a Midwest guy, it’s definitely good to stay home,” Kareem said. “Cincinnati is only like four or five hours away. My family can come see me.”

Stengths: Length. Runs well for defensive end – 4.85 40. Was a captain at Notre Dame, as voted by his teammates. He has a high football IQ. His father was his high school position coach. Intelligence, already graduated from Notre Dame with a business degree.